Life has been less than idyllic lately, well, moreso than usual at least. This world is not for utopias, at least not in this stage of cosmic history depending on who you ask or who you believe. But as a result, making photos has been on the back burner as I/we navigate some of the unpleasant difficulties of time and the inevitable ends that accompany earthly life. Death seems to always be a motivating factor in me picking up a camera, have you noticed that? It seems that in the midst of troubles the reminder to turn the eye to beauty is a useful salve. Is not beauty the signature of the sacred in the world, after all?

I recently picked up a 40mm prime lens for the Canon 6D because Jess tends to settle in to that focal length and it will probably be a more fun experience for her to shoot with compared to her usual choice of the 28-70 zoom lens. I think it will feel more at home to her, since she seems to love the simplicity of point and shoot cameras and a prime lens is one less thing to think about when making photos. But, I decided to throw it on the 6D for a walk around the neighborhood to try it out. I’ve gone back and forth about the 40mm focal length over the years but more often than not I find myself not liking it, and that didn’t change this time. I’ve really settled back in to shooting a 50, being able to carve out little scenes with its slightly focused FOV and all. But still, the 40mm pancake from Canon is a venerable little lens in the right hands.

I’m looking forward to spring settling in to the valley here, or maybe it’s more accurate to say that I’m enjoying it since it’s fully here. There is such a singular beauty in the world coming back to life after the long deep slumber of winter. It’s hard not to be moved by it. I didn’t make many pictures on this short little walk with the family but it was still good to get out, look at things, appreciate the gift of the world and try to bring back some small pieces of it in images.